The Italian job is comprised of acclaimed UK/USA pianist Bruno Heinen, superb electric bassist Michele Tacchi and innovative drummer Riccardo Chiaberta. They will be joined by special guest, and star vibraphonist Andrea Dulbecco

Stan Getz made an undeniable impact on jazz from its core specialist components to its mainstream breakthroughs. Getz had such original taste yet technical knowledge, coupled with diverse experience, that he became a leading figure – Probably best known for his solo on ‘The Girl From Ipanema’. Whilst an outstanding feature on this song there is so much more to Getz and his incredible journey to reaching this level of expertise. We will take a look at his musical journey through the years, his character and the influence he has left in world of jazz today.

Cellist Lucy Railton joins forces with award-winning pianist-composer Kit Downes, forming Tricko – a pairing that is dark, detailed, colourful and contemplative. Kit Downes and saxophonist Tom Challenger then launch the extraordinary ‘Vyamanikal’ album, with guests.

For Evan Parker’s regular night at the Vortex, he invites saxophonist Iain Ballamy and pianist Tony Hymas. Both of them are not known so much for their ability to play ‘freer’, with Iain most famous a line of music stretching back to Loose Tubes and Tony for work with Jack Bruce and Jeff Beck (though he has collaborated at the Vortex on several occasions with Evan). A fascinating night in prospect.

Celebrating Stan Tracey’s 90th, a crucial pivot in the UK jazz scene from the 60s onwards and for many years a regular at the Vortex. “The Godfather of British Jazz”. This band is put together in celebratory mode by drummer son Clark, who played in Stan’s band from the age of 18.

Blues session

Led by guitar legend John Etheridge, the Blue Spirits Trio includes Pete Whittaker (organ) & Nic France (drums). Drawing on a vast reservoir of musical experience spanning 43 years ,Etheridge distills the bluesier side of his musical world in a repertoire that manifests intensity and emotion as it’s main quality, with subtlety, fluidity and interaction as central.  The repertoire is edgy and engaging with a forceful drive and bravura performances….A must!

Late night hang

Late night jam

Mike Gibbs is one of this country’s leading composers and arrangers, since arriving here at the end of the 1960s. It is a thrill to the Vortex that the London shows for his birthday should be at the Vortex. It’s going to be a stellar big band, worthy of the musician that Mike is.

Actress and Jazz singer Viviana Zarbo pays Marilyn homage with an evening of jazz standards and Musical songs related to Marilyn’s persona and era, with a glittering trio of brilliant musicians: Marco Marconi on piano, Marco Marotta on saxophone, and original arrangements.

Mike Gibbs is one of this country’s leading composers and arrangers, since arriving here at the end of the 1960s. It is a thrill to the Vortex that the London shows for his birthday should be at the Vortex. It’s going to be a stellar big band, worthy of the musician that Mike is.

Twice Grammy award winning Nigerian percussionist Lekan Babalola is well known for his innovative musical style, using his native Yoruba tongue infused with traditional music, Afrobeat and funky dance overtones. Awarded his first Grammy in 2006 for performances on the late Ali Farka Toure’s album ‘In the Heart of the Moon’, he was awarded a second at the 49th Grammy awards in 2009 for his work as Associate Producer on the American jazz diva Cassandra Wilson’s album ‘Loverly’. World press has given him rave reviews for his percussive ‘wizardry’ and infectious grooves.

Pemba, Zanzibar born Singer songwriter is a globally renowned artist, Mim Suleiman has been described as a fiery, electric, charismatic and vibrant Mama Africa of modern Era. A versatile vocalist and performer. Her songs carry very catchy melodies and powerful messages which are sang in her native tongue Swahili. Mim revels in her East African coastal musical cultures and traditions but even a bigger fun of collaborations.

Cameroonian-American vocal stylist Gino Sitson comes with a vocal programme that will leave you breathless. Gino Sitson forges an eloquent vocabulary capable of communicating far beyond any limits of language or custom. Through his vocal wizardry, he stunningly creates an endless range of sounds and atmospheres by using all parts of his body to create music. Gino Sitson is joined by cellist and vocalist JODY REDHAGE-FERBER to give a master class and a concert to remember.

Late night hang